(AFP) - The government today appointed Abdul Gani Patail, head of the prosecution division in the Attorney General's Chambers, as the country's top legal officer effective Jan 1.

Abdul Gani, who takes up the reins on Jan 1, replaces Attorney General Ainum Mohamad Saaid, whose resignation takes effect from the same date amid a long-standing thyroid problem.

"The appointment takes effect on Jan 1 but Abdul Gani will assume the duties of the Attorney General once Ainum goes on leave soon," Bernama news agency quoted Rais Yatim, the minister in charge of legal affairs, as saying.

But Abdul Gani's appointment immediately drew fire from the opposition.

Since 1998, Abdul Gani, 46, had been in the limelight as a leading member of the team that prosecuted jailed former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Rais said Abdul Gani would initially take over as acting Attorney General when Ainum goes on leave prior to her resignation.

"The Prime Minister (Mahathir Mohamad) has agreed to Abdul Gani Patail taking over the duties of Attorney-General from Ainum," he said.